I'm raising £2000 to Support Bay Veterans Association
Organised by Gary Kniveton
Story
We need your help! Get behind some of our veterans by sponsoring their walk across Morecambe Bay Sands on Saturday 16th August 2025 and help us ensure that no veteran or their family battle hardships or isolation alone.
We Need Your Help!
Bay Veterans Association provide vital support to former service personnel and their families who face many hardships and often feel isolated and alone. Located in the North West we are a team of veterans, veteran family members and volunteers dedicated in providing vital support, connections and events to create a sense of belonging within a compassionate community. Our approach is driven by those who understand their journey and the hardships they face.
Where It Started
When veterans leave the service they often find themselves facing a very different kind of battle which is one of isolation and loneliness. Ex service personnel find adapting to civilian life without a sense of connection a challenge. This in turn presents a challenge to the whole family.
Although many services existed, it was identified what was missing was a true sense of community. Gary Kniveton, a veteran himself, believed that a space where veterans and their families could not only get support but feel welcomed and understood was needed.
From this vision, in 2023 Bay Veterans Association was born.
Today, Bay Veterans Association provides a wide range of support services from mental health and well-being, to physical activities, social prescribing, and community events. We support not just veterans, but their families too. Understanding military life impacts everyone close to it. We want to empower, support and connect. Bay Veterans Association is a welcoming community with a purpose.
The Impact: In the Words of Our Community
"Before I found Bay Veterans Association I didn’t realise how isolated I started to become. I had served my time in the Navy, raised a family, and after time felt like I was just drifting. The first time I went to a breakfast meet-up I was met with warmth, understanding, and people who truly get it. Now, I’ve got purpose again. I’ve joined the community and even volunteer for the association. My wife is also connected with other family members and volunteers. It has been very motivational for her too."
"What Bay Veterans gives isn't just company it’s confidence, connection, and a real sense of belonging. They don’t just remember veterans they are respectful and caring. What I enjoy is the social community."
